Outrage Erupts: Registered Sex Offender Fired From Keansburg Beach Arcade Amid Public Safety Fears

A wave of alarm and outrage swept through the otherwise tranquil seaside town of Keansburg, New Jersey, recently, following the discovery of a registered sex offender employed at a popular beachside arcade. The incident at "The Beach Gallery" not only sparked immediate public outcry but also led to swift legal action and a renewed focus on child safety at family-friendly attractions.

The individual at the center of the controversy, Craig Smith, a 46-year-old registered sex offender under Megan's Law, was reportedly working the front counter at the arcade, a place frequently bustling with children and families enjoying their summer leisure.

Parents and community members quickly voiced their shock and anger upon learning of Smith's presence in such a sensitive environment, prompting the Keansburg Police Department to launch an immediate investigation.

Initially, the arcade owner, William Miller, seemed to defend Smith, suggesting he was a "clean" and "rehabilitated" individual who had served his time.

However, as public pressure mounted and legal ramifications became clear, Miller reversed his stance. Following advisement from legal counsel and a clear understanding of the local ordinances, Smith was promptly terminated from his position.

The termination was swiftly followed by criminal charges.

Smith was charged with "prohibited employment" under Keansburg's municipal code 139-3, an ordinance specifically designed to protect children. This crucial local law prohibits registered sex offenders from working at establishments where children primarily congregate, such as arcades, playgrounds, and schools.

The ordinance serves as a vital layer of protection, complementing state-level Megan's Law regulations by focusing on employment restrictions in child-centric venues.

This isn't the first time Miller's establishments have faced such scrutiny. A decade prior, in 2011, another registered sex offender, Michael Jones, was found working at Miller's former business, the Boardwalk Arcade, in a strikingly similar scenario.

That incident also led to charges and highlighted a persistent challenge in ensuring child safety at popular boardwalk destinations.

The latest events in Keansburg serve as a stark reminder of the continuous need for vigilance and the importance of both state and local laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.

While Megan's Law provides public access to information about registered sex offenders, local ordinances like Keansburg's add a critical layer of preventative protection by restricting their employment in child-heavy environments. The community's proactive response and the swift actions of law enforcement underscore a collective commitment to safeguarding children, ensuring that family fun spots remain safe havens for everyone.